How to Make a Knock-off DIY Wood Backpack With Faux Leather

This DIY wood backpack project is brought to you, in part, by my partners, RYOBI.

I was just saying the other day to someone that my favorite projects are the ones where I’m forced to think outside of the box!

Many times it could be a sponsor coming to me with a product and I think, “Oh, I know what I could do with that!” or it could be a monthly theme or challenge and it requires me to brainstorm cool ideas!

My first thought was that I’d love to create a necklace with a little vial of sawdust that would grace my chest. But I probably wouldn’t wear that for much longer than it would take to make it. I’m not a “jewelry” type of chick. Plus, I already have my trusty gold chain that hubby bought me years ago from London.

Then it hit me.

A purse!

Yes, that’s it–a purse!

I used to do a lot of sewing eons ago before my love of paint, power tools, and thrift stores emerged. I figured I would sew part of a purse and cut out some cool wood handles and–voila!–I’d have a wonderful new purse.

But maybe it just happens with age….?? But about 6 months ago, I developed a strong dislike for carrying big ‘ole purses that become catch-alls for LEGOS, random toy cars, and icky lollipop sticks.

No.

I wanted something I’d actually use. Something more compact, more trendy and cool. I had been contemplating buying a backpack lately, so it hit me–yes!!–a backpack!

So one lazy weekend morning I laid in bed and researched wood backpacks.

I couldn’t find any decent tutorials on making a DIY one.

But I did come across an interesting online store called Grav Grav that made wood backpacks and wood satchels for–gasp!–about $110 – $170!

Sorry, that’s out of my price range.

I’m not one that does knock-off projects (because I like my projects to be as original as possible), but because I liked these wood backpacks so much, I wanted my own.

But for a fraction of the cost.

I had all the power tools to make one. I just had to figure out how to put it all together to create one less expensive, yet still uniquely mine.

The challenge was on!

How to Make a Wood Backpack

I’m happy to report that through all the nail-biting, I did it!

And not just “did” it, but rocked it out enough that I’m actually excited about using this wood backpack! This isn’t something that gets made and just sits in a corner somewhere!

Anyhow, to get the full tutorial for this project, along with a list of materials, you’ll have to head over to RYOBI Nation. Be sure to login or create a free account to view all the steps involved in making this DIY wood backpack.

Be sure to check out the 13-minute YouTube tutorial, too! I know…it’s kind of long, but I like you guys to know all the ins and outs of doing a project! 🙂

The exotic wood I used was simply amazing! It was the most expensive part of this project, and the reason I had so much fear; I didn’t want to make a mistake that would cost me the wood!

I had never used exotic wood before, but now that I have, I think I am addicted to it. I have a much greater appreciation for exotic woods now!

And since I only had a small piece of faux leather fabric, I wanted to make sure that I practiced before sewing into the real piece of faux leather!

Always do practice pieces first before doing it on your real project!

The size is perfect for an 8.5″ x 11″ notebook, a small wallet, car keys, and a lipstick! 😉

I really don’t need much more than that, since I refuse to carry LEGOS around anymore. LOL

I had made a mistake when constructing the wood backpack and needed a way to disguise the mistake.

Duck tape from the dollar store came in handy for that! And even better, the “Dream Big” display couldn’t have been more perfect!

Don’t you just love when you have the perfect “something” when you need it??

I also just happened to have the wooden buckles for the adjustable straps.

Again, stockpiling supplies that you’ll use someday really helps, as I had these for years and never knew what to do with them!

This was absolutely one of my most fun and exciting (and nail-biting!) projects!

I literally felt anxiety in the pit of my stomach over it, fearful that I would ruin the limited materials I had and wouldn’t be able to complete it.

But by taking my time, planning, and doing mock-ups of steps I was uncertain about really helped me complete it and not ruin it! 🙂

How to Win $300 in RYOBI Power Tools – GIVEWAY CLOSED!

Okay, so you need some tools to make your own DIY wood backpack, right?

Thankfully, RYOBI has got you covered. They’re giving one reader $300 worth of power tools. You get to pick what power tools you want. Just don’t go over $300. 😉 You have to be a U.S. resident to win (sorry, my international friends!). The winner will be chosen at random on April 29, 2017, and notified via email. You have 48 hours to respond or else another winner will be selected.